by Rabbits21 Tue Feb 02, 2021 11:06 am
No confidence in the coach’: Shock claim in McInnes-Griffin contract stand-off
Dragons
February 2, 2021 7:40am
Source: FOX SPORTS
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St George Illawarra Dragons coach Anthony Griffin at trainingSource: Supplied
Dragons captain Cameron McInnes reportedly intimated that he preferred ex-St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor’s style to new boss Anthony Griffin.
McInnes is locked in a dispute with the Dragons over his contract which has threatened to escalate over the last few weeks.
He comes off contract later this season and there are a number of clubs thought to be interested in his services.
Complicating matters is the fact Griffin is hoping to land Broncos hooker Andrew McCullough on a two-year deal, which would force McInnes to playlock.
According to veteran radio host Ray Hadley, McInnes is not a fan of Griffin and preferred being coached by Paul McGregor who was sacked asDragons coach midway through the 2020 season.
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Since sacked Dragons coach Paul McGregor celebrates with Cameron McInnesSource: Getty Images
“If he [McCullough] signs, you’ll see captainCameron McInnes start the season at lock,” Hadley said on 2GB on Monday.
“Now I want to give Cameron McInnes a tip, but when the coach was appointed – Anthony Griffin – he was carrying on.
“He’s the captain of the team he’s entitled to his say. [But] It’s not a really smart move to say I like the other coach better – Paul McGregor – and Idon’t think this bloke is as good as him.
“He didn’t say that exactly, but that’s what hemeant.
“Given he has no confidence in the coach, I’d imagine the coach is saying I need someone who’s got confidence in me and you’re not one of them.
“So the Dragons may face an uphill battle to retain Cameron, who I think spoke prematurely as sometimes young blokes do.
“Maybe he’d be well-placed to come out now and say, ‘look I’ve now got to know Anthony Griffin. I think he can do the job and I hope I’m part of the plans’. That may redeem him in the eyes of the coach.
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Cameron McInnes crashes over to score against the SharksSource: AAP
In an interview with Fox League on Monday, Griffin said that McInnes had been allowed to test his value on the open market.
The potential exit of McInnes – the Dragons’ best player over the last few years – left NSW coach Brad Fittler stunned.
Fittler, who called McInnes into his Blues set-up for last year’s end-of-season series, told SEN’s Drive with Joel and Fletch.
“Anthony Griffin’s got his idea around the type of players he wants and I believe Andrew McCullough is one of them,” Fittler said.
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St George Illawarra Dragons coach Anthony Griffin at trainingSource: Supplied
“But I don’t know why [they’re risking losing McInnes]. If he’s at your club, I wouldn’t be letting him go.
“[He’s] such a great bloke to have part of a team.
“It’s so hard to get those fellas. [McInnes] is going to be invaluable.
“He defends like a lock forward and can also play out of dummy-half. I think his value only goes up with the rule changes.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...y/news-story/c296e394ce5f897e139b10167f1781fc
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